Halifax Central Library recently opened its gates to the public on the 13th of December, 2014. It is an upgrade from Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library. The new Halifax Central Library is based in Spring Garden Road in the center of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Going from green priorities and goals when constructing the new Halifax Library, and this has certainly been shown with the “green design” that it was built on. The library is hoping to achieve leadership in energy and environmental design certification (LEED) which will be awarded by the CaGBC, or Canada Green Building Council.

Such environmental and green features include:

• A green roof which is covered in grass and different plants, a system that feeds rain water to the green roof which makes it a self-sufficient garden and will, in turn create solar energy that reduces the heat island effect at the same time as providing an aesthetic experience for library-goers.

• The library encourages alternative forms of transport; it provides secure bike storage and has bus routes passing through the buildings proximity.

• Excess rain water will also get used for flushing within the library.

• The building was constructed using as much recycled materials as was possible.

There are many more green features, too many to list here, more info can be found on their official website…

Modern architecture has been used throughout the construction of this library. The libraries unique shape, a cuboid on top of a wider cuboid, with most of the exterior being transparent it is a vibrant and exciting building to see, and be inside.

Halifax central Library is fundraising to revamp and fill their collection of books, DVD’s, EBooks, magazines and more. They are doing so through their “Share the Wow campaign" that asks Halifax and Nova Scotia Residents to contribute to the library that will have a positive effect on all of society. People who donate $25 or more can choose a book off the shelf in the library, and get a customized template printed onto the first page, which states that this book was donated by “donator’s name”. This is a great way for citizens to really feel like they are getting involved, and if it wasn't for them, this amazing library wouldn't have been possible.